Maren Halversen 1955 ~ 2008 "Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of
earth...And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings..."Our dear
sweet daughter, sister, and friend, Maren Halversen, was released from
the bonds of her mortal existence into a life free from the difficulties
she faced on earth. We can hear her laughter and see her dancing now.
Maren was born April 12, 1955, in San Francisco, California. She was the
firstborn of Thomas and Charmaine Halversen. She died December 6, 2008
of heart failure, at her home in Bountiful, Utah. Each life she touched
was touched for good. Most of us come to life to be taught, but Maren
came to earth to teach us. Down Syndrome never kept her from trying
anything. In her 53 years, she learned (and loved) to dance and play
both the guitar and piano. She was a wonderful artist. She even tried to
water-ski! (We forgot to tell her to let go of the rope!)

Maren was a "first"
in many ways. We were told she was the first student in Utah with Down
Syndrome to be integrated into the regular school system. She learned to
be independent; many other parents with similar children watched Maren's
accomplishments, envisioning their own childrens' capabilities. She
suggested to her Mom the idea for a Handicapped Mutual, and with others
they forged the beginnings of that wonderful program. She graduated with
honors from Viewmont High School and Seminary. She was loved and
accepted by her fellow classmates, and was voted Outstanding Special Ed.
Student. She worked for many years at Deseret Industries and was
Employee of the Year at Welfare Square. She had an incredible sense of
self and was true and uncompromising in her values. Thirsty for
knowledge, Maren read daily from her scriptures. She understood that she
was "caught between two worlds," and it was a struggle for her. She was
anxious for the day she would no longer be physically and mentally
encumbered. Our heartfelt thanks to so many who loved and accepted Maren.

Special
love to the Barton Creek Ward and appreciation to so many neighbors,
friends and teachers. Thanks to Dr. Larry Green, Dr. Grant Christian,
and our IHC Hospice angels, Cathy and Marcos. Maren is survived by her
mother; sisters, Carla (David) Eskelsen, Laurel (Rick) Draper, Heidi
(Gary) Calder, brothers Tom (Veronica) Halversen, and Gary (Jennifer)
Halversen. She was preceded in death by her father. Funeral services
will be held Friday, December 12, at the Barton Creek Ward, 640 So. 750
E., Bountiful, at 12 noon. Viewings will be held Thursday night from 6-8
p.m. at Russon Bros. Mortuary, 295 No. Main, Bountiful, and from
10:30-11:30 a.m., at the church before the services. If desired,
donations can be made to the Utah Down Syndrome Foundation,
801-446-1994. We love you Maren and will miss you!